December 15, 2013 COVER SHEET CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS: ST. PATRICK 47 WEST HIGH ST, EAST HAMPTON, CT 06424 PHONE: 1-860-267-6644 CONTACT PERSON: Lori M. Lechowicz SOFTWARE: MICROSOFT OFFICE PUBLISHER 2007 ADOBE READER 8 WINDOWS XP PRINTER: Kyocera TASKalfa 400ci KX NUMBER OF PAGES SENT: 1 through 8 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION: December 15, 2013 TRANSIMSSION TIME: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Please deliver to PARISH CENTER ONLY (which is behind the church) in the OFFICE. Do NOT deliver to the church. Thank you. 3rd Sunday in Advent Welcome to St. Patrick Church Member of the Blessed John Paul II Community 12-15-13 CELEBRATIONS OF THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST ST. PATRICK CHURCH: Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm AND Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am Weekdays: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8:00am Holy Day Masses: 8:00am & 7:00pm ST. BRIDGET CHURCH: Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm AND Sunday: 7:00, 9:00 & 10:30am - Latin Mass at 12:00pm Called together by God to experience Jesus and his word, in the sacraments of the Church and in each other, we are committed to love God and to embrace all GodвЂ™s people as witnesses of GodвЂ™s mercy. December 15, 2013 St. Patrick Church 47 West High St. P.O. Box 177 East Hampton, CT 06424-0177 Office: 860-267-6644 Fax: 860-267-7807 Rectory: 860-267-6646 Email: stpatrick47@sbcglobal.net Web address: saintpatrickeh.org Pastoral Team Rev. Walter M. Nagle, Pastor Sister Dominic Joseph Valla, A.S.C. J. Pastoral Associate Lori M. Lechowicz, Administrative Assistant Dani Annino, Director of Faith Formation John P. Higgins, Director of Music & Organist OFFICE HOURS 8:30am - 3:00pm, Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 12:00 Noon - Friday Bulletin Deadline Please submit articles no later than noon on Monday SPECIAL COLLECTIONS For those who have chosen to cancel their envelope order since the вЂњOn-line GivingвЂќ program has begun, the following are the extra collections for the upcoming months: Dec 25 - Christmas Nativity Jan 1 - Solemnity of Mary Jan 5 - Spiritual Programs Handicap Accessible 3rd Sunday in Advent Welcome to our Parish Family Newcomers to the parish are invited to introduce themselves to Father Nagle after Mass and to register at the Parish Office. MINISTRY OF CAREGIVING Please advise the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, or Administrative Assistant to arrange pastoral visits or Holy Communion for those who are sick, hospitalized or homebound. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Couples must contact the Pastor at least one year in advance to reserve a date and make arrangements. CHANGING YOUR RESIDENCE OR PHONE NUMBER In a large parish, keeping the information on parishioners up to date is a difficult task. You can be of immense help in this regard. If you move or change your telephone number, please contact the parish office (267-6644). Not only will this help avoid confusion, but it will also save the cost of paying additional charges for returned mail. Thank you. Stewardship of Treasure December 8, 2013 Week 24 of the Fiscal Year Ordinary Income: Budgeted Goal Actual Collection: On-Line Giving: OVER/Under: $6,750.00 7,058.50 876.00 $ 1,184.50 STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS вЂњGo and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raisedвЂ¦вЂќ Matthew 11:4-5 When Jesus cured the sick we called it a miracle. Yet God has blessed us with many good things - our eyesight, our hearing, our talents, our health and so much more - and we often take it all for granted. The good steward recognizes every blessing in life as a miracle from God and strives to use those gifts for GodвЂ™s honor and glory. December 15, 2013 3rd Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec 14 5:00pm Deceased members of the Lanzi family req. by the Family, Donald Sorvillo req. by the Hale Family, Howard Tarpey req. by Leonard & Ellen Nicholas and John Wall req. by his wife and family. Sunday, Dec 15 8:00am Phil Wall req. by his family 10:30am Jean OвЂ™Neil and Emma Moran req. by Claire OвЂ™Neil and Philip Robida req. by Joan Fomento Monday, Dec 16 8:00am John V. Madalena Tuesday, Dec 17 8:00am Joseph Gallo, Jr., req. by Jack Dash Wednesday, Dec 18 8:00am Deceased family of Angelina Madalena Thursday, Dec 19 Friday, Dec 20 Eucharistic Adoration Immediately following 8:00am Mass 8:00am Special Intention for Fatima LaChance 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec 21 5:00pm Deceased members of the Lanzi family req. by the Family, Pam Hurd req. by the Lechowicz & Finn Families, and Donald Sorvillo req. by Robert & Donna Daly-Atherton. Sunday, Dec 22 8:00am Edward & Ruth Connell req. by Sheila Wall 10:30am Susanne Francasso req. by Leonard & Ellen Nicholas Question to Ponder: What kind of Messiah does my own lifeвЂ™s witness to Christ proclaim - one with fire and brimstone ready at hand, or one of whose comfort and healing I am an instrument? 3rd Sunday in Advent This weekend is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means вЂ�rejoiceвЂ™ in Latin. It is one of the two weekends of the year the priest is allowed to wear Rose colored vestments. The Word Among Us, in its meditation for this weekend states: вЂњTodayвЂ™s first reading tells how the Israelites will rejoice over the salvation God will bring them. It speaks about God opening blind eyes and deaf ears. It speaks about weak hands and knees being made strong. It speaks about people overcoming their fears. It speaks about a people blooming like a beautiful flower, all because the glory of God is being revealed to them. Every time we receive the Eucharist, Jesus reveals himself to us-and that is a cause for great rejoicing!вЂќ Pope Francis, in his new Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium states вЂњThe Gospel, radiant with the glory of ChristвЂ™s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice. A few examples will suffice. вЂ�RejoiceвЂ™ is the angelвЂ™s greeting to Mary. MaryвЂ™s visit to Elizabeth makes John leap for joy in his motherвЂ™s womb. In her song of praise, Mary proclaims вЂ�My spirit rejoices in God my saviour.вЂ™вЂќ He then continues: вЂњThere are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born out of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved.вЂќ Joy is not only important in our spiritual health, it is important in our physical health as well. Consider the following excerpt from mega-church pastor Joel OsteenвЂ™s book Every Day A Friday: вЂњDr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist, is the founder of the National Institute of play (really!) He became interested in the effects of laughter and play in our lives when the governor of Texas asked him to investigate the tower shootings on the University of Texas in 1966. As he studied the life of the troubled young man who had killed sixteen people and wounded thirty two others, one thing that stuck out was that this young man had never played normally as a child. He grew up in such a dysfunctional, high stressed family that his вЂ�play lifeвЂ™ was very limited as a child. This so interested Dr. Brown that he went on to interview other death row inmates. He discovered that a high percentage of them also had not played normally or freely as children. Dr. Brown concludes today that the opposite of play isnвЂ™t work; itвЂ™s depression. He believes we need play as much as we need sleep if we want to be physically and emotionally healthy.вЂ™ Proverbs 17: 22 supports this as it says, вЂ�A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing.вЂ™ When youвЂ™re in a good mood and full of joy, taking time to laugh and play, itвЂ™s like taking vitamins or good medicine. In fact, medical science tells us that laughing boosts our immune systems. Laughter reduces blood pressure. People who laugh regularly are 40% less likely to have a heart attack than those who donвЂ™t, some sources say.вЂќ If the holiday season is getting you down because of the death of a loved one, take some time to laugh and rejoice, for as Pope Francis says, вЂњYou are infinitely loved!вЂќ Happy Gaudete Sunday. December 15, 2013 Parish Events St. Patrick Library is located in the workroom of the Parish Center. All are welcome! Sunday, Dec 15 9:15am Youth Choir/Church Monday, Dec 16 7:00pm Pro-Life Meeting & Rosary for Life/Church 7:00pm Finance Meeting/WKRM Tuesday, Dec 17 7:00pm Sister Elissa Rinere Presentation/Church Wednesday, Dec 18 Thursday, Dec 19 11:15am Blood Drive/Parish Center 7:00pm Catholic Scripture Study/Parish Center 7:30pm Cornerstone Prayer Group/KofC All are welcome 3rd Sunday in Advent Matrimony A beautiful sacrament full of blessings, romance, love, commitment, comedy, giving, new life, joys, sorrows, adventure, challenges, responsibilities, growth, memories and more. One of the most common problems in marriage occurs when she wants empathy and he's trying to fix things. Tell your partner what kind of listening you want ... Treat your mate as if he wants to make you happy but doesn't know how. You love him, after all. You picked him. Help him out. (Terrence Real) Unfortunately, a marriage license doesn't come with a job description or a set of instructions. There is definitely "some assembly required." In fact, putting together a modern-day marriage can be likened to assembling an airplane in flight. (Patrician Love) Friday, Dec 20 Saturday, Dec 21 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ KNIGHTSвЂ™ NEWS Christmas Collection You responded so generously to the Thanksgiving food collection. Thanks again for that wonderful support. However, the need just seems to keep growing. So it is time to help the less fortunate have a full Christmas table. The collection this year will take place Saturday and Sunday, December 14th & 15th at Mass times. Particular items requested by the East Hampton Food Bank are: canned hams (1, 2 or 3 lbs), canned pineapple slices, fresh carrots, celery, onion and potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams, canned vegetables and rice, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, mustard, muffin mixes, Christmas candy, candy canes and Christmas cookies. Saint John Paul II Regional Catholic School New Items Saint John Paul II, in Middletown, "Tour Our School Program" is offered each Wednesday morning from 9:00am10:00am. No appointments are needed for these tours. Parents and children are invited to visit the school during this time, observe our classrooms, see our students in action and meet the administration. For more information, please visit our website at www.jpii.org or call 860.347.2978. Christmas Invite Our Saint John Paul II students wish to invite the parish families to our Christmas Programs to be held at the school campus in the coming weeks. December 11th - 7:00pm - SJP II Band & Chorus Concert - St. John Paul II Gym. December 18th -7:00pm Grades k-5 Christmas Pageant. Please Come Join Us The Gift of Generosity Please consider making your pledge to the ACA This holiday season, we thank our generous supporters of the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your gift helps to strengthen the ministries of the Diocese of Norwich and the work of the Church. Unfortunately, there are still many people in Eastern Connecticut who need your help. If you are looking for a convenient way to share your resources with those less fortunate, consider making a gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal through one of our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up this time of year, electronic giving provides a safe, effective and convenient way to serve others through your financial contribution. Please visit www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org to make an online donation, or call the Diocesan Development Office at 860-886-1928 for further information. Thank you for being a good steward and sharing your gifts with those less fortunate. May God bless you for your kindness and mercy. December 15, 2013 Introduction-Liturgy of the Word: On this Gaudete (вЂњRejoiceвЂќ) Sunday, we pause to acknowledge that our Advent season of preparation is not one of gloom and dread, but rather of joyful expectation. Even as we patiently await the coming of the day of the Lord, signs abound that it is here already. As we celebrate together today, let us be alert for the traces of GodвЂ™s reign already here. 3rd Sunday in Advent READINGS FOR THE WEEK MONDAY: Nm 24:2-7,15-17, Ps 25:4-9, Mt 21:23-27 TUESDAY: Gn 49:2,8-10, Ps 72:1-4,7-8,17, Mt 1:1-17 WEDNESDAY: Jer 23:5-8, Ps 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Mt 1:18-25 THURSDAY: Jgs 13:2-7,24-25, Ps 71:3-6,16-17, Lk 1:5-25 FRIDAY: Is 7:10-14, Ps 24:1-6, Lk 1:26-38 SATURDAY: Sg 2:8-14, Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21, Lk 1:39-45 SUNDAY: Is 7:10-14, Ps 24:1-6, Rom 1:1-7, Mt 1:18-24 Dec 14: Deacon John Lillis 1992, Ida Monroe 1990 Apostolate of Prayer for PriestsвЂ¦.Norwich Dec 15: Emma Moran 2003, Jennie Abbey 2000, Belle Brack 1986, Msgr. Thomas Stack 1980, Louis Falcigno 1980, Fr. Victor Salmaso 1979, Louise Collins 1979, Charles VanOudenhove 1975, Edith Nichols 1973, Raymond Cossette 1972 Heavenly Father, may the Immaculate Virgin prepare our priests for the radiant feast of Christmas so that the Divine Emmanuel might find in each of their hearts a little cradle scented by the purity of His all beautiful and loving Mother. For that, may they be purified I the waves of the Divine Blood of JesusвЂ¦..Mother Catherine Aurelia, Foundress Dec 16: Philip Wall 2005, Fr. William Myers 1987, Jean O'Neil 1986, Delina Minnick 1983, Marie Beane 1976, Edward Dickau 1974 12/15: V.Rev. Laurence LaPointe & Rev. Brian Romanoski 12/16: Rev. Benjamin Soosaimanickam & Rev. V. Antony Alaharasan Dec 17: Stanley Sobolewski 2004, Dominic Biondi 2001, Armand LeBlanc 1982 12/17: V.Rev. James Carini & V.Rev. Douglas Mosey Dec 18: Gladys Bobbi 1994, Bill Owens 1985 12/18: Rev. Mark OвЂ™Donnell & Rev. Joseph Whittel Dec 19: Helen Scalf 2002, Rose Czop 1988, Leon Smola 1988, Mae Bornman 1987, George Loos 1987, Anna Stover 1984, Frances O'Neill 1983, Sr. Theresa Austin 1980, Joseph Karlhofer 1977, Rose Ouellette 1970 12/19: Rev. Stanley Szczapa & Rev. Christopher Zmuda 12/20: Rev. Richard Breton & Rev. James Thakootathil 12/21: Rev. Christopher Feeney & Rev. Izydor Sadowski Dec 20: Carmen A'Quino 1978, Anna O'Brien 1970 Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. WORD OF LIFE - BULLETIN BRIEF вЂњThe fight for the right to life is not the cause of a special few, but the cause of every man, woman and child who cares not only about his or her own family, but the whole family of man.вЂќ ~ Dr. Mildred Jefferson, Pro-life Physician вЂњThe right to life is the first among human rights.вЂќ ~ Pope. Francis, Address to Catholic Gynecologists, September 20, 2013 LOVE THEM BOTH The number of abortions in the United States has declined 25% since 1990. Still, 1.2 million U.S. abortions occur yearly. They [the women] are never allowed to look at the ultrasound because we knew that if they so much as heard the heart beat, they wouldnвЂ™t want to have an abortion. (Dr. Randall, former abortionist) вЂњAbortion is a hard enough thing for any woman to decide without the torture of seeing the baby on an ultrasound screen.вЂќ (Dr. L. Lacroix, Planned Parenthood) Pregnant? Need help? Contact St GerardвЂ™s Center for Life, 22 Maple Ave. Hartford, CT 06114 (860-548-9500) December 15, 2013 3rd Sunday in Advent DECEMBER HEALTH TIP Tips for coping with Stress and Depression over the Holidays. It is easy to get bogged down with the array of demands the holidays bring: parties, shopping, baking, cleaning & entertaining. Here are some practical tips to help minimize the stress the holidays can bring. Acknowledge your feelings. If you have recently lost a loved one or canвЂ™t be with your loved ones, this can bring up sad feelings. Acknowledge these are normal feelings and it is okay to take time to express these feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic THE ADVENT WREATH The third Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the ShepherdвЂ™s Candle reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for Christmas is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent. 3rd CANDLE вЂ“ THE CANDLE OF JOY The angels sang a message of JOY! вЂњвЂ¦and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, вЂ�Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.вЂ™ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, вЂ�Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.вЂ™ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, вЂ�LetвЂ™s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.вЂќ (Luke 2:7-15) Continued next week. Defending Our Liberty #94 Dec. 15, 2013 CHRISTMAS DAILY PRAYER Always be on my lips, Jesus, Word of God: Gloria in excelsis! Always guide my actions, Jesus Prince of peace: Gloria in excelsis! Always illuminate my way, Jesus, Light from light: Gloria in excelsis! It has been a special privilege for me to serve for the last ten years as your Archbishop. I personally testify that Hartford is a beautiful Archdiocese with tremendous developments that show us to be always seeking better experiences of Church. I know that you will support Archbishop Leonard Blair and continue to fight for religious freedom. Please be assured of my ongoing prayers. ~ Archbishop Henry J. Mansell If you havenвЂ™t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius at 202-205-5445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom. December 15, 2013 PRAY for our ACTIVE MILITARY Have you seen the St. Patrick Prayer Board for active military personnel who are fighting on the front lines for our freedom? ItвЂ™s located in the vestibule of the Church, to the left as you enter from the front steps. We post the pictures and rank of relatives of our parish family members and ask that you remember them in daily prayer. Please let us know if there are any family members you would like posted...and may God keep them safe. вЂњLord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.вЂќ Bereavement Support Groups Every first and third Monday: 5:00-6:30pm, Conference Room A or B, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown. Every second and fourth Thursday: 6:30-8:00pm, Shoreline Medical Center, 260 Westbrook Rd., Essex. Every second and fourth Wednesday: 10:00-11:30am, One MacDonough Place, Community Room. (The HospitalвЂ™s assisted living facility on the corner of Main St. Extension and MacDonough Place.) For more information, please call Chaplain Dennis McCann, Middlesex Hospital Chaplain, 860-358-6725. 3rd Sunday in Advent AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Hi Red Cross Supporter, I'd like to take a second and offer you my deepest thanks for all you do to help us achieve our mission of helping save lives. I know we all get busy during the year, but you made time to help others. You generously gave your time to host a blood drive and recruit donors so that blood is available for those in need. Because of your actions, others will have the opportunity to spend more time with their loved ones; that's something they'll never forget. Richard Benjamin, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Red Cross On December 19th the American Red Cross will, once again, hold a blood drive in the Parish Center from 11:15amвЂ” 5:15pm. For more information or to make an appointment call Kim at 860-681-3464 or email Kimberly.moreland@redcross.org. St. Patrick Church Ministries Altar Servers: Susan Lanzi 267-9984 Altar Society: Maureen Sweeney 267-2520 SAVE THE DATES ACTS Retreat/Men& Women: Warren & Beverly Edwards 267-9926, Al & Isabel Vela 2671508, and John & Carol Lambert 267-9157 CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL: Come view the wonderful Christmas displays and artworks of Fr. Ronald Meyer and also Nativity scenes from around the world at Immaculata Retreat house every Sunday from 1:00-5:00pm until Epiphany Sunday. Free cookies & refreshments. Donations accepted. Baptism Contact: Sister Dominic Joseph 267-6644 HOLY WEEK RETREATS: Come and spend Holy Week on the Hill at Immaculata Retreat House. For more information call 860-423-8484. Cobalt Lodge: Daisy Conway 267-0833 MUSIC FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS: Holy Family Retreat Center will celebrate the joy and beauty of this sacred season with beautiful music. December 22nd at 2:00pm & 7:00pm. Reception will follow. Tickets $35. Call 860-760-9705 or go to www.holyfamilyretreat.org. Guild: Melissa Jones 467-6544 & Nancy McFatter 267-4653 CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES: Holy Family Retreat Center will hold Christmas Eve Masses at 4:00pm and 5:30 pm. All are welcome! Baptism Class: Mary Kaye Varni 267-9050 Catholic Scripture Study: Kathy Anderson 365-5003 Child Advocate: Peggy Puzzo 267-9932 Coordinator of Caregiving: Sister Dominic Joseph 267-6644 Eucharistic Adoration: Sheila Wall 267-9486 Knights of Columbus: Keith Lanou 860-680-4988 Marriage Encounter: Dan & Pam Harazim 267-1184 NursesвЂ™ Ministry: Mary Gould 860-267-4643 Pastoral Council Chair: Peter Bergan 267-4341 Prayer Group: George & Regina Looby 267-8203 Prayer Line: Jann Dalton 267-5720 & Pat Powers 267-8529 Pro-Life: Bill & Debbie Lonsdale 267-1878 and Rev. Walter Nagle 267-6644 R.C.I.A.: Sister Dominic Joseph 267-6644 Vocation Contact: Rev. Walter Nagle 267-6644 Wedding Coordinator: Michelle Donahue 342-0435 Westside Manor: Deb Desrocher 267-0705